KIGALI, Rwanda — Angolan champions Petro are always one of the favourites to win the Basketball Africa League, but in each previous edition since the league, organised by the NBA and FIBA, tipped off in 2021, they have come up just short.
There were semi-final defeats in 2021 and 2023 – the latter of which came when they were expected to win the tournament – and a heartbreaking final defeat to US Monastir in 2022.
Petro’s bold decision to replace longtime head coach José Neto with Sergio Moreno, and beefing up the roster, paid off as they were ultimately able to outclass the Cape Town Tigers 96-86 in the semifinals, with new signing Nick Faust starring as Petro set up a final clash with Al Ahly Ly of Libya.
Veteran Carlos Morais, who has played in all four tournaments to date, told ESPN of their strengths for Saturday’s finale: “We’re unpredictable, I think that’s our biggest strength now.
“I’m never going to compare coaches. There’s always different philosophies, different approaches, but the fact that we have a new coach right now after nearly four years [under Neto] just makes us unpredictable.
“No-one knows what we’re going to do; no-one knows how we’re going to do things and this can be a thing in our favour.”
Although Morais welcomes this element of surprise, it has had its consequences for him. At 38 years old, he finds himself playing less than he is used to.
He conceded: “It’s a different experience for me. I’m not used to coming off the bench. I’m not used to playing just a few minutes – I’m used to being one of the key guys – but at the same time, this is a team sport and I have to trust my teammates and be ready for when the coach calls my number.
“I’m always going to be ready to contribute even though right now, I’m not playing as much – I’m not doing as much – but this is just how it is. As a veteran, I have to understand and be ready for when my time comes.”
He may not be a contender for the MVP crown this year, but Morais is hungry for BAL success. Having had a brief stint with the Toronto Raptors, played in the Olympics, and won four AfroBasket titles, as well as a litany of domestic honours in Angola and Portugal, he considers the BAL title to be the missing piece in a glorious career.
Morais was an African club champion in 2006 with Petro, but since the NBA invested in African basketball, the league has become significantly more competitive and has come to feel like a new challenge entirely.
“I always have a reason to wake up and go to practice. I’m 38 years old but still feeling young. I still feel the same goosebumps when I talk about basketball. Winning the BAL was always the goal since the launch of it. I feel like if we win one, I will try to win the second one because I will continue to play basketball,” he said.
“The reason why I want to win this one is because every year, I feel like it’s getting harder and harder, so if I can win right now, I’ll try to win right now.”
Petro will be up against their former teammate, Solo Diabaté, who is chasing his third BAL title after winning with Zamalek and US Monastir.
Morais was full of praise for his new Al Ahly Ly opponent: “Solo’s a great leader, but he’s not just a great leader or a great player – he’s a great person and he makes everyone around him better. I think that’s what makes Solo so special.
“He’s a guy who’s always in a good mood and his good mood always affects the others, so I believe Solo is doing a great job with his team and it’s going to be fun to play against him.”
One of the main weapons which Petro will have on their side in the battle against Diabaté’s Ahly is sharpshooter Faust, who has followed in the tradition of fellow former Maryland Terrapins Terrell Stoglin and DJ Strawberry by making an impact in the league.
Faust said: “It’s a pleasure to be here. Hopefully we do take it all the way and bring home the trophy. That’s the goal. I guess I will have a bragging point [over Stoglin] if we do take it home, God willing.”
Saturday’s final against Al Ahly Ly will take place at the BK Arena and is scheduled to tip off at 4pm CAT.